Cast of Chad Powers – Full List and Key Production Insights

Chad Powers brings an unusual story to the sports comedy genre. Glen Powell leads the cast as Russ Holliday, a disgraced college quarterback who adopts prosthetics and a wig to reinvent himself as the fictional Chad Powers and join a struggling small-school football team. The Hulu series, created by Powell alongside Michael Waldron, draws inspiration from a viral sketch by Eli Manning that originally aired on ESPN’s Eli’s Places.

The project represents a collaboration between some of the biggest names in football entertainment and Hollywood comedy. Eli Manning not only originated the character but also serves as an executive producer, bringing his brothers Peyton and Cooper into the production mix to ensure authenticity in the football depictions. Hulu premiered all episodes on September 30, 2025, and the show rapidly climbed to become the platform’s number one series within weeks of its debut.

Understanding the cast dynamics and creative origins helps viewers appreciate what makes this series distinctive. From Powell’s dual role to the involvement of NFL veterans and rising comedic talents, the ensemble brings multiple layers to this comedy about second chances and unlikely reinvention.

Who Plays Chad Powers in the Netflix Series?

Key Insights on Chad Powers Cast

• Glen Powell anchors the series in a dual role, playing both the conceited quarterback starting over and his disguised alter ego, bringing the character’s swagger and vulnerability to life.
• Eli Manning’s involvement extends beyond executive production—he appears as the Ole Miss Coach in a guest starring role, connecting the series directly to its sketch comedy origins.
• The supporting cast includes established actors like Steve Zahn and Toby Huss alongside emerging talents, creating a mix of comedic experience and fresh energy.
• Perry Mattfeld portrays Ricky Hudson, the offensive assistant coach and daughter of the head coach, adding a family dynamic to the coaching staff storyline.
• The Manning brothers contributed to realism by helping secure filming locations and advising on football authenticity throughout production.
• Celebrity guest appearances include Halieey Welch playing herself, showcasing the show’s ability to attract notable personalities beyond traditional acting roles.

Character and Actor Reference Table

Full Cast List for Chad Powers

Main Cast Members

Glen Powell leads the ensemble as the protagonist whose journey drives the entire narrative. Powell, known for roles in Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You, brings his signature charm and comedic timing to a character seeking redemption on the football field. His ability to portray both arrogance and vulnerability makes the dual role particularly compelling.

Perry Mattfeld rounds out the primary cast as Ricky Hudson, whose position as offensive assistant coach places her at the center of the team’s strategic decisions. Her relationship to head coach Jake Hudson adds personal stakes to the coaching dynamics. Megan Ketch appears as Wendy Hudson, bringing depth to the family portrayal within the coaching staff.

Supporting Actors and Ensemble

The supporting cast features a blend of experienced performers and rising talents. Steve Zahn and Toby Huss bring decades of acting experience across film and television, lending credibility and comedic weight to their respective roles. Clayne Crawford and Wynn Everett round out the more recognizable names in supporting capacities.

Frankie A. Rodriguez, Colton Ryan, Keese Wilson, Xavier Mills, and Quentin Plair form the younger segment of the ensemble, representing players and staff members at various stages of their careers. Some sources alternatively list Frankie A. Rodriguez as Francisco Rodriguez, though the cast remains consistent across primary references.

Guest Stars and Special Appearances

Eli Manning’s appearance as the Ole Miss Coach connects directly to the series’ origins. His involvement in the sketch that inspired the show makes this guest appearance particularly meaningful for viewers familiar with the original Eli’s Places segment. Halieey Welch’s decision to appear as herself adds contemporary celebrity flavor to the production.

Origins of Chad Powers and Key Creators

The Eli’s Places Skit Origins

The character of Chad Powers originated from a viral segment on Eli’s Places, an ESPN and Omaha Productions series hosted by Eli Manning. In Season 3, Episode 7, Manning went undercover as Chad Powers at a college football tryout, complete with prosthetics and a wig. The sketch quickly gained traction for its humor and Manning’s commitment to the bit.

The success of the segment prompted discussions about expanding the concept into a full television series. Glen Powell became attached early in development, recognizing the potential for a character study wrapped in comedy. Michael Waldron joined as co-creator, bringing his experience from other comedy projects to shape the television adaptation.

Executive Production and Football Authenticity

The Manning family’s involvement extends throughout the production. Eli Manning serves as executive producer alongside his brothers Peyton and Cooper Manning. Their contributions proved essential in several key areas: securing realistic filming locations at actual college football facilities, advising on authentic team dynamics, and ensuring the football sequences met professional standards.

This family collaboration adds credibility that many sports comedies lack. Rather than treating football as mere backdrop, the Mannings’ involvement ensures the sport receives respectful and accurate portrayal. The result appeals both to football fans appreciating the details and general audiences enjoying the comedic premise.

Chad Powers Release Date and Production Updates

Premiere and Release Schedule

All episodes of Chad Powers premiered simultaneously on Hulu on September 30, 2025. The release strategy aligned with industry trends favoring binge-watching, allowing subscribers immediate access to the complete first season. New episodes originally dropped on Tuesdays, though the simultaneous release meant this schedule applied primarily to international markets.

The series also became available through Disney+ via the general entertainment hub, expanding its potential audience beyond traditional Hulu subscribers. This cross-platform availability reflected Disney’s broader streaming strategy following content licensing reorganizations.

Renewal and Season Two Prospects

In December 2025, just weeks after the finale, Hulu announced renewal for a second season. The quick renewal reflected strong viewership performance, with the show becoming Hulu’s number one series post-premiere according to promotional materials. This commercial success validated the creative risks taken with an unconventional sports comedy premise.

Specific details regarding season two—including cast additions, storyline direction, or production timeline—remain unannounced as of late 2025. A crossover with Season 3 of Eli’s Places aired around October 2025, featuring Manning meeting Powell in character, though this appears to have been promotional rather than part of the ongoing series narrative.

Chad Powers Development Timeline

1. Original Sketch (Mid-2010s) — Eli Manning performs the first Chad Powers undercover skit on Eli’s Places, establishing the character’s core premise and comedic identity.
2. Series Announcement (February 2024) — Hulu officially orders Chad Powers to series, announcing Glen Powell and Michael Waldron as creators with Manning family involvement.
3. Production Commencement (Late August 2024) — Filming begins with active participation from Eli, Peyton, and Cooper Manning in advisory and location-scouting capacities.
4. Promotional Campaign (October 2025) — Powell appears on the ManningCast, and Hulu releases first-look videos featuring both Powell and Manning discussing the project.
5. Series Premiere (September 30, 2025) — All episodes become available on Hulu, with simultaneous release on Disney+ under general entertainment offerings.
6. Season 3 Crossover (October 2025) — Eli’s Places Season 3 Episode 7 features a meeting between Manning and Powell in character, serving as promotional cross-pollination.
7. Season Renewal (December 2025) — Hulu announces second season renewal following strong viewership performance, with no specific details released.

Confirmed Cast vs. Rumors

Why This Cast Fits Chad Powers

Glen Powell’s casting represents an ideal marriage between performer and material. His proven ability to balance romantic comedy charm with dramatic weight—demonstrated in films like Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You—translates directly to a character requiring both comedic swagger and underlying vulnerability. The dual role demands an actor comfortable with transformation, and Powell’s screen presence accommodates both the arrogant Russ Holliday and his Chad Powers disguise.

The supporting ensemble brings complementary strengths. Steve Zahn’s long career in quirky character work, from SubUrbia to modern television, provides grounding for potentially exaggerated scenarios. Toby Huss similarly offers decades of comedic experience that can elevate material without overshadowing the lead. Meanwhile, Perry Mattfeld’s casting suggests the series intends to develop its female characters with equal attention.

Eli Manning’s participation deserves particular attention. Beyond his role as executive producer, his willingness to appear onscreen validates the project’s connection to its origins. Fans of the original sketch will appreciate seeing Manning engage with the character that launched the entire concept, while newcomers benefit from understanding the show’s grassroots foundation.

Official Quotes and Sources

The show quickly became Hulu’s number one series post-premiere, reflecting strong audience engagement with Powell’s performance and the fresh comedic premise.

— Hulu promotional materials, October 2025

Filming started late August 2024 with Manning brothers’ involvement for realism, helping with football authenticity and securing filming locations.

— Wikipedia (Chad Powers)

Primary verification for this article comes from Wikipedia’s Chad Powers entry and Disney+’s official series coverage. Additional details regarding the original sketch derive from official YouTube releases from Eli’s Places. Promotional materials including first-look videos and series trailers provide supplementary visual confirmation of cast members and production elements.

What’s Next for Chad Powers Cast

The December 2025 renewal signals Hulu’s commitment to developing Chad Powers beyond its initial season, but specifics remain scarce. No announcements have clarified whether existing cast members will return, whether new actors will join the ensemble, or when production might commence. The crossover with Eli’s Places Season 3 demonstrates the creative team’s willingness to explore multimedia connections, suggesting future promotional or narrative collaborations remain possible.

For viewers interested in the cast’s other work, Glen Powell’s recent filmography includes several high-profile projects worth exploring. Those curious about the ensemble approach might benefit from comparing this series’ structure to other sports comedies or character-driven ensemble pieces currently available on streaming platforms.

Monitoring official Hulu and Disney+ channels provides the most reliable method for tracking casting announcements and production updates as they become available. The show’s rapid rise to Hulu’s top position suggests network confidence in continued development, though patience remains necessary while concrete plans take shape.

Frequently Asked Questions